Am having a Barbarella moment.

Anyone care to join me?

So here is my first foray into the trends of A/W that catch my eye.  I shall by no means covering every single trend that has littered the catwalks (see what I did there?! Doh) & filtered down to the High Street but I'll endeavour to explore those I think would work for us who are galloping on the right side of 30.  

And to being with... Leather! 

I fear it may be the big 4-0 (tis merely a matter of months away now.  Expect me to mention it.  A Lot.) that is sending me hurtling into a spin of wanting to dress like an 18 year old lady of the night.  Think less lamb and something more embryonic.  Wrong on every level. 

Happily though, I've learnt to sleep on rash purchases and most of the time I do wake up with  a far more age appropriately dressed fashion head on.  Hence I've put my obsession with head to toe leather to rest.

I have made no secret of the fact that I do have an inner Suzi Quatro (nestled in amongst the other alter egos) and therefore have always been partial to a bit of leather.

Not talking leather jackets here - Suzi, get back in yer box - they're far too mainstream for what I've been looking at.  We're talking Barbarella eat your heart out.  Or maybe not if we're planning on letting ourselves loose on the public.  

So how does one of a certain age who perhaps should pick their leather items carefully, actually work it?

I think there are definitely some things out there which would work.  Firstly the leather or should I say pleather, trouser.  I know I know.  But honestly don't knock it till you've tried it. 

I got my first pair of pleather trews (rather skinny ones) from TopShop two or maybe three years ago.  I had ordered a host of pairs including real leather ones at a significantly higher price.  Oh my god were they a disaster.  They had no stretch so took an age to shoehorn myself into them.  (apparently talc is the answer.  Could you really be bothered?)  And were dry clean only.  Errr hello?  Has anyone taken anything leather to be dry cleaned?  That'll be a small fortune thank you.  And they weren't even that nice.  

Whereas I have been beyond impressed with the TopShop ones.  Gorgeous.  Really flattering with a side zip.  However I am slightly larger than I was a couple of years ago and too many good nights out have meant a "loosening" of the stitching down the centre seam (they have a side zip - super flattering).  Ie I've broken them.  They don't seem to have the trousers that I had - they seem to have replaced them with leggings.  I did try these on last year.  And that would be a no.  Big.  No.

I am planning on getting my original trousers mended but in the meantime I've ordered these from Next which I'm picking up tomorrow.  The jury is out till then but I will report back.  I love wearing them for daytime as well as night time.  I think they look fab with a chunky knit, layered over thin jersey separates, big scarf and boots (dare I say wedge trainers...... I have always worn mine with my black Ash Madonna wedges but that's before they were remotely mainstream.  Might look a tad try hard now.  Will still suck it and see)  Or a shirt and fitted coat with flats.  The opportunities are endless. 

Here they are - they do get great reviews online (I buy so little from Next I'm not sure how relevant they are) 



On to something which I suspect might be easier for lots of people to wear.  The leather skirt. It actually crossed my mind that I could definitely do with one of these, when I tried the embellished collar dress on from Dunnes, which was cream on top with a black "skirt" on the bottom.  Didn't like the jersey of the skirt but loved the top part and thought - oh hello - a leather pencil skirt would really unprettify (clearly not a word but it perhaps should be) the smart dress aspect. 

Now I will pre-empt the next section by saying that I have seen none of these in real life.  So they could be fab.  They could be completely ming a ring ding.  I take no responsibility for how appalling the quality may be.  Disclaimer over. 

Firstly, let's stay with Next and on the pleather front - what better way to try out the trend and not break the bank, than with a pleather skirt.  I have to say, this one really doesn't look too bad. 



Am also loving the boucle jacket in black which looks rather like the Isabel Marant Etoile Monty jacket......at a fifth of the cost!  Here is the link to both. 

I'm planning (with my imaginary purchase) to wear it during the day (for something specific - even I'd balk at the idea of wearing one merely to do the school run) with ankle or knee high boots, opaques, thin knit jumper and little blazer (the Next one above will do nicely thank you).  Perfect item for your evening wardrobe as well - lovely little shirt tucked in or a simple tee and statement necklace.  For those who work, the perfect day to night wardrobe component. 

If you're certain you'd get lots of wear out of one then (and to be honest, I don't think they take  much justification) and funds are a plenty then I'd go straight for a leather one.  Some gorgeous ones around 

The Missy Black leather skirt from Reiss 




Black leather panelled skirt from Preen Edition at Debenhams


The utterly stunning one from the Somerset collection by Temperly at John Lewis which is sold out though.  Obviously my favourite but not entirely sure I could justify £199 on it.  So just as well it's sold out.


A more wearable style for some might be an A line leather skirt.  Mint Velvet have come up trumps - too short for me I'd say, but that's definitely a personal preference.  If you wear flat shoes or boots then a shorter, more flared skirt is an excellent option.  Of course, having seen it on the model, I am now thinking - hmmmm love love love.

How fab is the wine version 




So how do we feel about leather on our bottom halves?  Are you already the proud owner of any leather items other than jackets?  How easy do you find to wear them?

If skirts or trousers in leather aren't your thing, then how about a top? Or dare I mention - a leather dress?  Fear not - not as rank as they may sound, I have found a couple of really wearable pieces which I'll be blogging about tomorrow.  Barbarella shall live another day!

A quick round up of what I've been wearing - not a lot of leather going on here just yet.

Friday - a day of breakfast with mostly my closest friends (what's not to love?!), rushing around making a cake for a friend's 40th birthday party that night.  Regrettably (total fail) I don't have a pic of the evening outfit but it was the blush Zara sequin jacket, blush coated Zara skinnies, blush vest by By Malene Birger, nude Zara sandals and cream stone Anthro necklace which I've worn about 3 times (with nothing changed!) over the summer on nights out.  If it ain't broke, don't fix it!  Hence no pic really needed - it's been seen before.

So super casual for during the day.


Cream linen and crochet top - By Malene Birger
Beige Kristen skinnies - TopShop
Tan leather sandals - Gap
Tan leather stud cuff - Mulberry
Gold Renegade bracelet - Stella & Dot
Black Sunglasses - Dior
Vanilla Roxanne - Mulberry

Saturday - up to London for lunch with friends.  Unfortunately managed to get most of the way into London, realised I had taken the car keys with me so had to go all the way back on the train home and back into London again.  A two hour round trip.  Utter muppet.  Had to go back as The Husband was taking the Rugrats to Ebbsfleet for a trip to the Olympic Park.  Well I had a completely fantastic, if too short, lunch and then schlepped all the way to Stratford to be greeted by 3 small and 1 big massively miserable bods.  Too hot, too crowded with nothing to do.  So much for me ensuring they experienced the Olympic "atmosphere".... Ingrates.  At least we can look back and say we did it!  (even though I may be scarred by the whole trip for some time to come)



Off white vest - Cos
Distressed skinny biker jeans - By Malene Birger
Scarf print silk jacket - Zara

Tan leather stud cuff - Mulberry
Gold Renegade bracelet - Stella & Dot
Vanilla Roxanne - Mulberry
Rose gold Gigi sandals - Sam Edelman
Black sunglasses - Dior
Resin horn and enamel necklace - Mango

Sunday was spent ferrying the family around in the morning to rugby and drama and then a wonderful afternoon at friends for a BBQ.  Probably the last proper summer day.  Was bliss. 



Black and white paint splatter bandeau jumpsuit - M&S
Shrunken denim jacket - Red Herring at Debenhams
Glitter black flipflops - Primark
Tan leather cuff - Mulberry
Black Faridah Hobo bag - Marc by Marc Jacobs

Today was spent doing chores and trying to persuade RR3 that big school is a good idea.  He's not convinced.  At.  All.  I am "that" mother with "that" child.  Fingers crossed tomorrow he's less errr unwilling to go in.  Screaming NO and GO AWAY at the teacher and teaching assistants is always going to leave an excellent impression I think (him not me by the way)  Was tempted to hit the gin at 9.30 but half a pack of melted chocolate fingers took the edge off thank goodness.



White tee - Isabella Oliver 365
Linen cargo pants - TopShop
Brocade jacket - Wallis
Gold bee necklace - Alex Monroe
Gold serpent necklace - Stella & Dot
Tan leather cuff - Mulberry
Vanilla Roxanne - Mulberry
Clay Thelma wedges - Ash

And tomorrow I'll be back with the return of the leather Queen!  Tops & dresses - some lush ones I promise.  Can't wait to hear what you all think about it (I'm pretty positive most people will think they ming - I shall be a lone ranger in my pleather!)

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CONVERSATION

27 comentarios:

  1. Whistles have some gorgeous leather tops in but are a bit pricey and mango do a little leather skirt (think asos stock it online) that is really similar to the isabel marant one- might be too short for you but it's really flattering on x

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    1. Great minds think alike! I'd already spotted those to blog about. I think I'm a tad too mature for little leather skirts - sob.xxx

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  2. Well! Just as I was think "no way" to anything leather (other than shoes obviously), I scrolled down to the Mint Velvet skirt and have had a bit of an epiphany - rather liking what I'm seeing! Just goes to show, you can get into such a rut sometimes and it's so good to have your perceptions challenged. Ta muchly.

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    1. You're more than welcome!! I think I'll probably just go down the trouser route but there are lots of lovely easily wearable options out there. Let us know if you get anything xxx

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  3. I'd be interested to see how the leather trousers go, as a nearly 40-er too they scare the hell out of me - am I trying too hard, am I trying to look too young? However a foray into coloured skinny jeans this summer has given me more confidence on the trouser-ware I think. Loving the wine leather skirt, but yes alas prob too short on me too *sigh*

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    1. Yes I think well above the knee and leather is a step too far for me this year. The trousers looks great though, honestly. They were a funny fit on the waist though so I'm about to order a smaller pair. But was really impressed with the quality for £35 it has to be dais! And yay for coloured skinny jeans - will you be getting any new colours this A/W??!

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  4. what a fab selection! Definite faves are Next leather trousers and Mint Velvet skirt.
    What do you think to the black snake effect mix shoe boots that are from next on the same page?
    Would love a pair of black shoe boots but am not a confident shopper. Do you like them?

    Kitty x

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    1. Thank you! can't recall seeing the shoe boots but they sound lovely. I'm a big fan of shoots definitely. I've actually got a dressier black boot/shoot thread planned, so watch this space. Definitely like them, so easy to wear and there are lots of lovely ones in different budgets out there. Will be next week probably xxxx

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  5. I just got the Mint Velvet catalogue in the post today and swooned over the leather skirt in Caramel.

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    1. Divine isn't it. Lots of lovely things in there although randomly it never fits me particularly well. Love it on other people but have never made it work for me. Not quite right. Boo. (not that I need another shop to shop from....!!)

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  6. I am sure you have seen this but Zaragoza did amazing pleather top this year- http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/uk/en/zara-W2012/269190/937007/LEATHER%20FRONT%20WAISTCOAT. They have it in red and black- red is a bit meh but black is def a keeper.

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    1. Zaragoza???? Zara! Stupid autocorrect!

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    2. My friend was eyeing that up the other day. A definitely contender yes, great spot. And agree with you on the red. No. Deffo no!

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  7. Ooh, you've released the genie from the bottle! I ADORE leather trousers. Had an amazing pair that I bought in NY, when I was young and fabulous. Not so young anymore alas ... and definitely not as svelte! At what age do we think it's time to pack away the leather trews? Just as I had thought that I could never re-visit them again, I saw a gorgeous pair of black jodphur/jegging things in Mexx that have leather panels ... so, so tempted. But at the wrong side of 40 by a few years, would they scream MUTTON???

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    1. Noooo, not at all! I think so long as you keep the rest of the outfit classic then it looks great. And wear it with confidence. The main thing - Always!! Go for it!

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  8. I've always loved leather trousers - I remember back in my student days in '95 or so stalking some on Kensington High Street in some random leather/denim store - I just couldn't justify it on a PhD income so ended up with some silver lame trousers from Top Shop instead. Last year I bought some All Saints Delors pipe leather jeans - I love them because they are washed/crinkled leather and more of a straight leg skinny rather than a second skin skinny - and at $380 they were fab value. I wear mine with sweaters or a loose shirt and jacket. I was inspired to buy mine by my icon Emmanuelle Alt - I'll never rock them like she does but I certainly don't feel like mutton in them:)

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    1. GO LEATHER TREWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you rock them girl xxxxx

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  9. Ha! Had a bit of a sort out of my wardrobe on Sunday and found a long black leather skirt tucked right at the back. I must have bought it about 8 or 9 years ago, and I'm planning to give it a try for work this autumn. Glad to see I'm back on trend lol.

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    1. Well you couldn't have timed it better. What a fabulous find. I cleared out my wardrobe today and unearthed a massive pile of tat. Bugger!

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  10. The Mint Velvet one looks lovely. Really, really not keen on the hem of the Next skirt though.

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    1. I see what you mean although don't find it that offensive in the slighted and I think it probably looks better in real life. I was very impressed with the quality of the pleather trousers. If not the fit. doh!

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  11. Leather trousers .... I used to wear them years ago. Had a black pair and chocolate brown pair and wore them with chunky knits and silkly shirts. Did consider buying some last year when my daughter (age 16) bought some leather leggings from Topshop - bought back fond memories. Now I sit back and watch my daughter with envy!! I am though considering the leather top from zara. Was wondering if you will be doing a review on wedge trainers. Love the Ash ones but as they have increased the price I am constantly looking out for cheaper versions. x

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    1. You get those trousers out love!! And yes, I do indeed have a wedge trainer blog up my sleeve - hopefully tomorrow. To ash or not to ash.......

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  12. I love leather. And am heading towards 40- although my children think I'm 35!!!! I splurged on Joseph burgundy leather leggings last month. I love em!!!!! Definitely don't think they are only for "young uns"! Mind you I also love the marmite shoes that are ash Thelma wedges!

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  13. I am completely new to your blogs and actually blogs in general but love reading your news and on seeing the Next trousers promptly ordered a pair for myself, just like to say considerably older than you too, thanks

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    1. oh excellent! How did you find them? I found them really big on the waist - which is saying something as my waist is the widest part of my body - totally non existent. Doh. Am going to try ordering a smaller pair but I fear they'll be too snug on the legs. Hope you had better luck than me. I was really impressed with the quality of the pleather. Really leather like!

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